Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5. CABLES
The underground cables are 1.25 inches (3 cm) in diameter and consist of six steel
strands of 19 wires each, wrapped around a rope, which acts as a shock absorber.
6. BRAKING
There are three braking mechanisms. Wheel brakes press against the wheels; track
brakes press against the tracks when the grip person pulls a lever; while the emer-
gency brake is a steel wedge forced into the rail slot.
7. CABLE CAR MUSEUM
Downstairs,
look
at
the
giant
sheaves
(wheels),
that
keep
the
cables
moving
throughout the system; upstairs are displays of the earliest cable cars.
Cable Car
Museum
•
1201
Mason
St,
at
Washington
•
415
474
1887
•
•
Open
Apr-Sep:
10am-6pm
daily;
Oct-Mar:
10am-5pm daily • Free
Google Map
View photo
8. RIDING STYLES
There is a choice of sitting inside a glassed-in compartment, sitting on outside
wooden benches, or hanging onto poles and standing on the running board. The
third gives you the sights, sounds, and smells of San Francisco at their most enticing.
View photo
9. TURNTABLES
Part of the fun of cable-car lore is being there to watch when the grip person and
conductor turn their car around for the return trip. The best view is at Powell and
Market streets.
10. ROUTES
The three existing routes cover the Financial District, Nob Hill, Chinatown, North
Beach, Russian Hill, and Fisherman's Wharf areas. As these are always important
destinations for visitors - and for many residents, too - most people find that a cable
car ride will be practical as well as pleasurable.
View photo
